Normal Sperm Count

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 31 min read
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Semen tests analyze sperm count, shape, and motility to test for male factor infertility and assess the quality of your sperm. You can improve a low sperm count with medications or lifestyle changes. Sperm count can be important if you’re trying to conceive a child....

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Article Summary

Semen tests analyze sperm count, shape, and motility to test for male factor infertility and assess the quality of your sperm. You can improve a low sperm count with medications or lifestyle changes. Sperm count can be important if you’re trying to conceive a child. An abnormal sperm count may also indicate an underlying health condition. A normal sperm count ranges from 15 million sperm to more...

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Definition

Semen tests analyze sperm count, shape, and motility to test for male factor infertility and assess the quality of your sperm. You can improve a low sperm count with medications or lifestyle changes.

Sperm count can be important if you’re trying to conceive a child. An abnormal sperm count may also indicate an underlying health condition.

A normal sperm count ranges from 15 million sperm to more than 200 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen. Anything less than 15 million sperm per milliliter, or 39 million sperm per ejaculate, is considered low. A low sperm count is often referred to as oligospermia. A high, or above average, sperm count is over 200 million sperm per millimeter.

You can determine your sperm count through a semen analysis. You can get the analysis done at your doctor’s office, a fertility clinic, or with an at-home test.

Understanding your semen analysis

A semen analysis tests for the following:

  • number of sperm (volume)
  • shape of sperm
  • movement of sperm, or “sperm motility”

The number, shape, and mobility of sperm are important for testing for male factor infertility. Your doctor may recommend testing up to three samples of sperm at different visits to get an accurate analysis.

At-home tests only test for the number of sperm. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in a full analysis.

Semen analysis results table

The following are the healthy or normal semen analysis results, as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since results can vary from person to person, results are given as a range.

WHO reference range
Total sperm count in ejaculate 39–928 million
Ejaculate volume 1.5–7.6 mL
Sperm concentration 15–259 million per mL
Total motility (progressive and non-progressive) 40–81 percent
Progressive motility 32–75 percent
Sperm morphology 4–48 percent

If you’re trying to conceive naturally, a healthy sperm count is often necessary. Even though it only takes one sperm and one egg to get pregnant, more healthy sperm will increase your chances of pregnancy each month.

Even if you aren’t trying to conceive, your sperm count may be an important measure of overall health. One study found men with a low sperm count were more likely to have a higher percentage of body fat (bigger waistline and higher BMI) and higher blood pressure than men with higher sperm counts. They also experienced a higher frequency of metabolic syndrome, or higher chance of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

For these reasons, if you’re diagnosed with a low sperm count, your primary care doctor may want to evaluate your testosterone levels, lifestyle, and overall health.

How does sperm count affect fertility?

Sperm count can affect fertility because your chance of getting your partner pregnant decreases with a lower sperm count. Problems with the quality of sperm can also affect your chances of getting a woman pregnant.

Male infertility factor, often due to a low sperm count, is a common reason many couples have trouble conceiving. But couples may also experience other health issues that can affect fertility. In some cases, infertility may be due to female factors, like:

  • low ovarian reserve
  • a blocked fallopian tube
  • endometriosis

Lack of conception may also be the result of not trying to conceive for long enough. In many cases, it can take six months to a year to get pregnant when there are no fertility concerns.

If you are over 35, and you and your partner have been trying to conceive for six months, your doctor may refer you to a fertility specialist. If you have been trying to conceive for over one year, and you and your partner are under 35, see your doctor for a referral.

Are there treatments for low sperm count?

Infertility or a low sperm count may be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • genetics
  • past surgeries
  • general health
  • sexually transmitted diseases

Your doctor can assess your sperm count and recommend treatment.

Possible treatment options include:

  • Surgery. If you have a varicocele or obstructed vas deferens, surgical correction or repair may be recommended.
  • Antibiotics. If a bacterial infection is affecting your sperm count or fertility, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
  • Medication or counseling. These may be used for sexual intercourse problems such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.
  • Hormone treatments and medications. For cases where high or low hormone levels influence infertility, hormone treatments may help.

Improving sperm count

While many causes of a low sperm count require medical intervention, lifestyle choices can also factor in. The following may improve sperm count:

  • Lose weight. Being obese or overweight can cause a low sperm count. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise.
  • Take vitamin supplements. Ask your doctor for a blood test to test for vitamin deficiencies. They may recommend adding new foods to your diet, or taking supplements to help restore vitamin and mineral levels.
  • Avoid substance abuse, including heavy drinking and drug or tobacco use.
  • Wear loose, cotton boxers.

Outlook

There are many factors that can affect your sperm count, including lifestyle choices or underlying medical conditions. If you have a low sperm count, your doctor may recommend options for you to raise your sperm count, or they may refer you to a urologist or fertility specialist, if needed.

If you have a low sperm count and are hoping to conceive a child, there are many fertility options available today, including a range of treatments like:

  • intrauterine insemination (IUI)
  • in vitro fertilization (IVF)
  • IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Talk to your doctor about your concerns and options

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Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
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Care roadmap for: Normal Sperm Count

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Go to emergency care if you notice:
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Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding your semen analysis A semen analysis tests for the following: number of sperm (volume) shape of sperm movement of sperm, or “sperm motility” The number, shape, and mobility of sperm are important for testing for male factor infertility. Your doctor may recommend testing up to three samples of sperm at different visits to get an accurate analysis. At-home tests only test for the number of sperm. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in a full analysis. Semen analysis results table The following are the healthy or normal semen analysis results, as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since results can vary from person to person, results are given as a range. WHO reference range Total sperm count in ejaculate 39–928 million Ejaculate volume 1.5–7.6 mL Sperm concentration 15–259 million per mL Total motility (progressive and non-progressive) 40–81 percent Progressive motility 32–75 percent Sperm morphology 4–48 percent Why does sperm count matter?

If you’re trying to conceive naturally, a healthy sperm count is often necessary. Even though it only takes one sperm and one egg to get pregnant, more healthy sperm will increase your chances of pregnancy each month. Even if you aren’t trying to conceive, your sperm count may be an important measure of overall health. One study found men with a low sperm count were more likely to have a higher percentage of body fat (bigger waistline and higher BMI) and higher…

How does sperm count affect fertility?

Sperm count can affect fertility because your chance of getting your partner pregnant decreases with a lower sperm count. Problems with the quality of sperm can also affect your chances of getting a woman pregnant. Male infertility factor, often due to a low sperm count, is a common reason many couples have trouble conceiving. But couples may also experience other health issues that can affect fertility. In some cases, infertility may be due to female factors, like: low ovarian reserve…

Are there treatments for low sperm count?

Infertility or a low sperm count may be caused by a number of factors, including: genetics past surgeries general health sexually transmitted diseases Your doctor can assess your sperm count and recommend treatment. Possible treatment options include: Surgery. If you have a varicocele or obstructed vas deferens, surgical correction or repair may be recommended. Antibiotics. If a bacterial infection is affecting your sperm count or fertility, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Medication or counseling. These may be used for sexual intercourse problems…

Improving sperm count While many causes of a low sperm count require medical intervention, lifestyle choices can also factor in. The following may improve sperm count: Lose weight. Being obese or overweight can cause a low sperm count. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. Take vitamin supplements. Ask your doctor for a blood test to test for vitamin deficiencies. They may recommend adding new foods to your diet, or taking supplements to help restore vitamin and mineral levels. Avoid substance abuse, including heavy drinking and drug or tobacco use. Wear loose, cotton boxers. Outlook There are many factors that can affect your sperm count, including lifestyle choices or underlying medical conditions. If you have a low sperm count, your doctor may recommend options for you to raise your sperm count, or they may refer you to a urologist or fertility specialist, if needed. If you have a low sperm count and are hoping to conceive a child, there are many fertility options available today, including a range of treatments like: intrauterine insemination (IUI) in vitro fertilization (IVF) IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) Talk to your doctor about your concerns and options 7 Tips for Healthy Sperm If you and your partner are trying to conceive a baby, you may be looking for information about how to increase sperm count to improve your chances of getting pregnant. A healthy sperm count is necessary for fertility. For pregnancy to occur, only one sperm and one egg are needed, so why does sperm count matter? In short, it increases the odds for a successful pregnancy. When a man ejaculates into a woman, the chances that one sperm will reach and implant itself into an egg increases if more sperm are in the semen. Normal semen contains 40 million to 300 million sperm per milliliter. A low sperm count is considered to be anything between 10 and 20 million sperm per milliliter. Twenty million sperm per milliliter may be adequate for pregnancy if the sperm are healthy. Read on to learn more about sperm count plus seven things you can do to improve sperm health. 1. Lose weight Losing weight if you’re overweight is one of the single-most effective things you can do to increase sperm count. StudiesTrusted Source have shown that weight loss can significantly increase semen volume, concentration, and mobility, as well as the overall health of sperm. The changes in sperm count have been found to be most significant in men who have a higher body mass index, so if you have a large amount of weight to lose, even losing a small amount of weight may help. To accomplish your weight loss goals, talk to a doctor who can help you get started. You may want to schedule an appointment with a nutritionist to change any eating habits that could be improved. Working with a trainer or other exercise program can also help. 2. Exercise Even if you don’t need to lose weight, staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle can help boost your sperm count. One studyTrusted Source found that weightlifting and outdoors exercise can help sperm health more than other types of exercise. Consider incorporating these kinds of activities into your routine. Exercise can also help you maintain or lose weight, which may have additional benefits for your sperm health. 3. Take your vitamins Some types of vitamins, including vitamins D, C, E, and CoQ10, are important for sperm health. One studyTrusted Source showed that taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C every day can help men’s sperm concentration and mobility. The overall sperm count won’t improve, but the sperm can become more concentrated and able to move more efficiently. That can boost your chances of conceiving successfully. Another studyTrusted Source noted less successful rates of pregnancy among couples where the man had low levels of vitamin D. More research is needed to understand the relationship between this vitamin and fertility, but there does seem to be a correlation. Talk to your doctor about testing your vitamin levels. They can do this using a simple blood test. 4. Avoid substance abuse Low sperm counts and unhealthy sperm have been linked to people with a history of: heavy drinking, which is defined as drinking two or more alcoholic drinks per day tobacco use of any kind illegal drug use, including cocaine and anabolic steroids If you use any of these substances and are having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor. They can recommend programs to help manage and treat addiction. 5. Check your environment Consider changing your clothes and showering as soon as possible if you’ve been exposed to: metals solvents pesticides paint strippers degreasers non-water based glues or paints other endocrine disruptors Those toxins may affect sperm count. If you’re exposed to any of these things because of a hobby, consider putting your hobby on hold until after you’ve successfully conceived. Jobs that expose you to excess heat or radiation, or even extreme sedentary work can also affect sperm count. 6. Have your bike checked Biking might be related to low sperm count. Bicycling more than five hours per week is associated with lower sperm concentration. Having your bike checked for a proper fit can help. 7. Wear loose, cotton boxers Keeping your sperm at an adequate temperature and allowing lots of air flow to the scrotum can help cultivate the right environment for healthy sperm. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing boxers, choose cotton briefs instead of synthetic ones. That will still help control air flow and temperature. Healthy sperm Sperm count isn’t the only thing that matters when trying to conceive. You also want to have overall healthy sperm. A male’s reproductive health is defined by three aspects of sperm: the health of the individual sperm the amount or concentration of sperm the volume of the overall sperm Some findingsTrusted Source suggest that men’s sperm quality is declining. Doctors aren’t completely sure why that is happening, but lifestyle and nutrition may play a role. Does sperm count affect IVF success? Sperm count affects the use of reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), as well. Your success in using IVF with a low sperm count will depend on the health of your sperm and what factors are causing the low sperm count. The sperm can now be injected directly into the egg through a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection as an alternative if the man has a very low sperm count. No matter how you are hoping to conceive, improving your sperm count can help improve your chances of a successful pregnancy. When to see a doctor The common advice given to couples trying to conceive is to see a doctor after one year of unprotected sex that does not result in pregnancy. If the female partner is over 35, see a doctor after six months of unprotected sex that does not result in a pregnancy. If you have a known occupation, hobby, or medical condition that is linked to a lower sperm count, you should talk to a doctor as soon as possible before you begin trying to conceive. They can do tests to ensure that you’re healthy and conception is recommended. If you’re having trouble conceiving, a fertility specialist will usually perform tests on both the man and woman. A woman will have her eggs, ovaries, and uterus tested. A man will provide a semen sample for a semen analysis and sperm count. The doctor will check the number of sperm per sample to determine if the sperm count is too low. An ultrasound may also be performed to look for problems in the scrotum, or ducts and tubes where the semen travels. Outlook The success rate of achieving pregnancy with a low sperm count will vary based on your and your partner’s individual health. If you decide you want to have a family, there are many options available to you, such as pursuing adoption, exploring IVF, or making lifestyle changes to try to conceive. Your first step is talking with a doctor who can help assess sperm count and other fertility factors before making a plan for your future. Semen Analysis and Test Results We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process. How we vet brands and products A sperm count test is also known as a semen analysis. The test can tell you about your fertility. Results are analyzed for sperm shape, movement, pH, volume, liquefaction, sperm count, and appearance. Semen analysis, also known as a sperm count test, analyzes the health and viability of a man’s sperm. Semen is the fluid containing sperm (plus other sugar and protein substances) that’s released during ejaculation. A semen analysis measures three major factors of sperm health: the number of sperm the shape of the sperm the movement of the sperm, also known as “sperm motility” Doctors will often conduct two or three separate sperm analyses to get a good idea of sperm’s health. According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), the tests should be conducted at least seven days apart and over the course of two to three months. Sperm counts can vary on a daily basis. Taking an average of the sperm samples can give the most conclusive result. Why undergo semen analysis Test for male infertility A semen analysis is often recommended when couples are having problems getting pregnant. The test will help a doctor determine if a man is infertile. The analysis will also help determine if low sperm count or sperm dysfunction is the reason behind infertility. Test for vasectomy success Men who have had a vasectomy undergo semen analysis to make sure no sperm are in their semen. In a vasectomy, the tubes that send sperm from the testicles to the penis are cut and sealed as a permanent form of birth control. After a vasectomy, doctors often recommend that men take a sperm analysis once a month for three months to ensure that sperm is no longer present in their semen. How to prepare for semen analysis Your doctor will let you know what you should do in preparation for the semen analysis. It’s very important to follow these instructions for accurate results. To get the best sample: Avoid ejaculation for 24 to 72 hours before the test. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and drugs such as cocaine and marijuana two to five days before the test. Stop taking any herbal medications, such as St. John’s wort and echinacea, as instructed by your healthcare provider. Avoid any hormone medications as instructed by your healthcare provider. Discuss any medications you’re taking with your doctor. How is semen analysis conducted?

You’ll need to provide your doctor with a semen sample for a semen analysis. There are four main ways to collect a semen sample: masturbation sex with a condom sex with withdrawal before ejaculation ejaculation stimulated by electricity Masturbation is considered the preferred way to get a clean sample.

Getting a good sample Two main factors are crucial to having a good testing sample. First, the semen must be kept at body temperature. If it gets too warm or too cold, the results will be inaccurate. Second, the semen must be delivered to the testing facility within 30 to 60 minutes of leaving the body. Test interference Some factors can negatively affect the test, including: semen coming into contact with spermicide taking the test when you’re ill or stressed lab technician error contamination of the sample There are no known risks associated with a sperm analysis. If semen analysis results aren’t within normal limits and handling of the specimen isn’t a factor, your doctor may also consider whether you’re taking the following substances, which can affect your sperm count: alcohol caffeine herbs, such as St. John’s wort prescription drug use of medicines known to reduce sperm count, such as cimetidine recreational drug use tobacco Testing your semen at home Home semen tests are available. However, they only test for sperm count. They don’t analyze sperm motility or shape. Find at-home sperm analysis tests here. Results for at-home tests are usually available within 10 minutes. A normal sperm count (above 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen) from a home test doesn’t necessarily mean that a man is fertile since it doesn’t consider all the possible causes of male infertility. If you are concerned about your fertility, it’s best to get a lab test done by a medical professional. This will give you a more comprehensive evaluation of your fertility. What are normal results? After your semen sample is collected, your test results should be ready within 24 hours to one week, depending on the laboratory you go to. When a doctor reviews sperm analysis test results, there are many factors to consider. An analysis after vasectomy looks for the presence of sperm, but the analysis to look for fertility issues is much more in-depth. Your doctor will take each of the following results into account: Sperm shape A normal result for sperm shape is that more than 50 percent of sperm are normally shaped. If a man has greater than 50 percent of sperm that are abnormally shaped, this reduces his fertility. A laboratory may identify abnormalities in the sperm’s head, midsection, or tail. It’s also possible the sperm could be immature and therefore not able to effectively fertilize an egg. Movement For a normal result, more than 50 percent of sperm must move normally an hour after ejaculation. Sperm movement, or motility, is important to fertility because sperm must travel to fertilize an egg. An automated system analyzes the sperm for movement and rates them on a scale of 0 to 4. A score of 0 means the sperm are not moving, and a score of 3 or 4 represents good movement. pH A pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8 to achieve a normal result. A pH level higher than 8.0 could indicate the donor has an infection. A result less than 7.0 could indicate the specimen is contaminated or that the man’s ejaculatory ducts are blocked. Volume The volume of semen for a normal result should be greater than 2 milliliters. A low semen volume could indicate a low amount of sperm to fertilize an egg. An excess fluid volume could also mean the amount of sperm present is diluted. Liquefaction It should take 15 to 30 minutes before semen liquefies. While semen is initially thick, its ability to liquefy, or turn to a watery consistency, helps sperm to move. If semen does not liquefy in 15 to 30 minutes, fertility could be affected. Sperm count The sperm count in a normal semen analysis should be between 20 million to over 200 million. This result is also known as sperm density. If this number is low, conceiving can be more difficult. Appearance The appearance should be whitish to gray and opalescent. A semen that has a red-brown tint could indicate the presence of blood, while a yellow tint could indicate jaundice or be a medication side effect. What do abnormal results mean? Abnormal sperm will have trouble reaching and penetrating eggs, making conception difficult. Abnormal results could indicate the following: infertility infection hormonal imbalance disease, such as diabetes gene defects exposure to radiation If your results come back at abnormal levels, your doctor will probably suggest that you take additional tests. These tests include: genetic tests hormone testing urinalysis after ejaculation taking a tissue sample from your testicles anti-sperm immune cells testing Outlook after a semen analysis A semen analysis that’s the most conclusive requires careful collection and analysis of multiple specimens. The test can provide a variety of information that could help determine factors that affect your fertility. If your test results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend that you see a fertility specialist. 10 Ways to Boost Male Fertility and Increase Sperm Count We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process. How we vet brands and products Staying active, minimizing stress, and making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help support male fertility. Certain supplements may also be beneficial for increasing sperm count. 0 seconds of 1 minute, 10-second volume 0% If you and your partner are experiencing fertility issues, know that you’re not alone. Infertility is more common than you might think. It affects about one in every six couples, and researchers estimate about one in every three cases is due to fertility problems in the male partner alone (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source). While infertility is not always treatable, there are some things you can do to boost your chances of conceiving. Fertility can sometimes be improved with a healthy diet, supplements, and other lifestyle strategies. This article lists some of the main lifestyle factors, foods, nutrients, and supplements that have been associated with improved fertility in men. What is male infertility?

Fertility refers to people’s ability to reproduce without medical assistance. Male infertility is when a man has a poor chance of making his female partner pregnant. It usually depends on the quality of his sperm cells. Sometimes infertility is linked to sexual function, and other times it could be linked to semen quality. Here are some examples of each: Libido. Otherwise known as sex drive, libido describes a person’s desire to have sex. Foods or supplements that claim to increase libido are…

Sperm speed and gender: Fact or fiction?

It’s long been thought that sperm with Y chromosomes, or “boy” sperm, swim faster than sperm with X chromosomes, known as “girl” sperm. StudiesTrusted Source have proven that this is a myth, however, and there is no noticeable difference in motility or speed between X and Y sperm.

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    DefinitionCongenital? absence of the optic chiasma, also called congenital? achiasma, is a very rare birth problem where the normal “crossing point” of the optic nerves (the...

    March 5, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  4. Congenital CN VI Palsy

    DefinitionCongenital? CN VI palsy means a weak or paralyzed sixth cranial nerve (also called the abducens nerve) that is present from birth. This nerve controls the...

    March 4, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  5. Benign Congenital Sixth Cranial Nerve Palsy

    DefinitionBenign? congenital? sixth cranial nerve palsy is a problem with the sixth cranial nerve (also called the abducens nerve) that is present from birth and is...

    March 4, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  6. Congenital Abducens Nerve Palsy

    DefinitionCongenital? abducens nerve palsy is a rare eye movement problem that is present from birth. In this condition, the sixth cranial nerve (also called the abducens...

    March 4, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  7. Tubulinopathies

    DefinitionTubulinopathies are a group of rare brain development disorders that happen when there is a harmful change (mutation) in one of the “tubulin” genes. Tubulin is...

    February 28, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  8. Complex Cortical Dysplasia with Other Brain Malformations 7 (CDCBM7)

    DefinitionComplex cortical dysplasia with other brain malformations 7 (CDCBM7) is a rare brain development disorder. In this condition, the outer layer of the brain (the cerebral...

    February 28, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  9. Cortical Dysgenesis with Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Due to TUBB3 Mutation

    DefinitionCortical dysgenesis with pontocerebellar hypoplasia due to TUBB3 mutation”. It can also be grouped under “complex cortical dysplasia with other brain malformations 1 (CDCBM1)” and “TUBB3-related...

    February 28, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  10. Lissencephaly Type 2 Without Muscular or Eye Involvement

    DefinitionLissencephaly type 2 without muscular or eye involvement is a very rare brain development problem present from birth. Doctors also call it cobblestone lissencephaly without muscular...

    February 1, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)